Moderato

Do the C2/S & C4/S have the same amount of ground clearance and what is it?

Is ground clearance and/or the front over-hang of the Carrera ever an issue if you use the car as a DD?

Anyone know the ground clearance of the GT3/RS & Turbo?

Thanks!

Edgy01

Clearance between the C2S and C4S is the same,--the PASM introduces a 10mm lower set up than the regular Carrera and Carrera 4. (Standard on the S models). With the start of Carrera 997.2 cars the worldwide lower standard of 20mm due to a certain option is finally available in the USA. I suspect it will be problematic for a DD in the USA. Quite frankly, the roads in the USA are not good enough to run a car that low on them. I have an 06 S and have gotten used to what I have to do at certain places but it still catches me occasionally. I can't help you on the GT3 or turbos,--although I would think the GT3 is going to be even lower than the S models.

MJones

997 Carrera
Ground Clearance
Basic 4.76 in (MY08 4.57)
PASM 4.45 in (MY08 4.25)

CarreraS
4.57 in (MY08 4.33)

Moderato

Model year 08+ has less? Is that due to a front fascia change or suspension?

Moderato

I've been keeping my eye out for either a 993 or used 997. This will be my 1st Porsche and my year round DD, the back seats will see occasional use for the kids just for the occasions of practicality. I don't have to drive it during a snow storm (I'll watch the weather and take my other car) but I want to be able to navigate "surprise" snow falls, of course I'll use proper winter tires. I was thinking of getting a 993 first just for the experience. Is it true that those things need a quart of oil every 2K miles????

I really like the idea of the LSD you can get with the 997.2's. I know the car has all the weight over the rear tires, they're wide & it has the brakes to simulate the LSD but in my experience with 3 series, M cars & STI's, I just prefer a proper LSD. I'm not sure if it makes sense to order a 997.2 with the LSD and not get the -20mm sport PASM, OTOH I do need the car to be a somewhat practical DD so perhaps it would make sense. I live in an area with steep hills & driveways, and I don't want to be damaging the front of the car constantly just trying to transport myself around. Ground clearance wasn't an issue with my E46 M3's but I don't think I'd want to go any lower then that car was.

MichaelL

With a 997 S, get used to grounding the front of the car. Curbs, roadway slope transitions at cross streets and driveways can all get you. Even after you are accustomed to this, it will sometimes catch you unaware.

emmros

as others have mentioned, it really isn't much of an issue. I went from a C4S to a GT3 and it is a huge difference. Driving any other car other than the GT3 is a sinch.

Edgy01

Would this be useful? From the Workshop Manual.

Moderato

Thanks for that Edgy01. So the C2 w/19's lowest point at the front axle is about 5.6" of clearance and the C2S w/19's & PASM is about 5.2"

Mjones, why are your numbers different? Is that a lower point measured from the bumper? Also why are the 08's lower then the 05 - 07? Did you mean to say the 09+?

This info does support the idea that the C4 as a winter car isn't substantially better then the C2 because the ground clearance is the same. So C2 or C4, regardless of snow tires, are going to start having issues with any snowfall greater then 6".

I realize ultimately this probably isn't much of an issue. I mean how many times will you get caught in a snow storm if you're watching the weather every morning? Eitherway though, I'd prefer to just DD the Carrera and have fun with it in the snow, rather then to buy a winter beater or have to take my other car. Why am I talking about this? Well the Carrera is supposed to be the ultimate "everyday" sports car. Driveable in the winter & 2 back seats to use in a pinch. If I need a 3rd car, then I might as well consider 2 seaters.

Edgy01

As a driver of 911s in the snow I can tell you that these cars just won't handle excessive downfalls. It the road is plowed every few hours,--that's one thing. But to be out breaking a trail,--leave that to the SUVs and 4x4s. Porsche never intended for the Carrera 4s to be breaking any trails. They provided the 4WD for handling improvements when conditions have deteriorated.